Stromectol

What Stromectol tablets are for

Stromectol is a brand name for ivermectin, and the tablets sold here are the generic version in 3mg, 6mg and 12mg. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine: it kills small organisms that live on or inside the body.

Three problems are treated with it. Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite, which burrows into the top layer and lays eggs; the itch is worst at night, with a pimple-like rash between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows or waist. Strongyloidiasis is a threadworm infection of the gut. Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a worm infection that can damage the skin and the eyes.

The medicine attaches to channels in the nerve and muscle cells of the mite or worm, so signals along those cells stop working and the parasite is paralysed and dies.

Scabies spreads by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, so it often runs through a household.

Taking the tablets

Swallow them with water on an empty stomach; a heavy, fatty meal changes how much is absorbed. Dosing follows body weight, which is why three strengths exist — someone at the heavier end of the range takes fewer 12mg tablets than 3mg ones. Scabies usually clears with a single dose, and a second dose a week or two later is common, because ivermectin kills the mites but not their eggs. Threadworm infections and river blindness are also treated with one or two doses. Keep the strips in their box until you need them, and somewhere children cannot reach.

Side effects worth knowing

Nausea, dizziness, itching, a rash, diarrhoea and stomach pain are the complaints most often reported, and they tend to pass. Used for river blindness, the first dose can bring itching, swollen glands, fever and dizziness as the worms die off; that settles over a few days. Very rarely someone reacts badly, with swelling around the face, lips or throat or breathing that becomes difficult, and that needs urgent help.

Stopping scabies from returning

Anyone who shares a bed, clothing or close contact with the person being treated should be treated at the same time, otherwise the mites return. Bedding, towels and clothing worn against the skin go through a hot wash — above 50°C for ten minutes — or into a sealed plastic bag for at least three days. Mites do not survive long away from skin.

Stromectol or plain ivermectin?

One ingredient, two labels. Stromectol is the brand name the medicine was first marketed under; ivermectin is the ingredient itself. The ivermectin page offers the same 3mg, 6mg and 12mg tablets, so the choice comes down to which name you search for.